SBC OXFORD INTERNATIONAL SUMMER SCHOOL SBC OXFORD INTERNATIONAL SUMMER SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS AGED 8-12 BROCHURE 2018
WELCOME TO SBC OXFORD INTERNATIONAL SUMMER SCHOOL SBC Oxford is a truly international summer school experience where children from over 40 countries study together during the summer, make international friends, develop confidence in English and have an experience they will never forget. 2 summerboardingcourses.co.uk SBC Oxford International Summer School 3
The Summer School SBC Oxford Summer School is held at the world renowned Dragon School in Oxford. Located in a beautiful area of Oxford, the school is only a 15 minute walk from the centre of this historic city. The Dragon School is one of the most famous preparatory schools in England and has produced some of England s best known writers, actors and politicians. With a fantastic mixture of traditional and contemporary buildings, modern facilities and spacious sports fields, the campus is ideal for children aged between 8 and 12. Accommodation & Facilities The facilities at the school are very impressive: Indoor swimming pool Theatre Well equipped classrooms 12 tennis courts Football, basketball and volleyball courts Dance studio Spacious and bright dormitories sleeping 4 to 9 children Dining hall School shop Internet suite Accommodation In 2017 we welcomed students from over 100 different countries to Summer Boarding Courses The accommodation at the Dragon School is ideal for children aged 8-12 as the dormitories enable the children to get to know each other quickly and form strong friendships. All the dormitories are colourful, bright and spacious, providing a friendly and homely environment for the children. Meal Times The children have three meals a day in the school s own dining room. For breakfast there is a hot English breakfast two mornings each week, as well as a continental breakfast option each day. There are always two hot choices for lunch and dinner, including a vegetarian option, as well as a salad bar, fresh bread, fruit and desserts. We also provide drinks and biscuits before bed. 4 summerboardingcourses.co.uk SBC Oxford International Summer School 5
Overview of SBC Oxford Summer Programme 15 hours English tuition each week Afternoon Activity Programme plus full Evening Activity Programme Laundry Service SBC Oxford Summer School T-Shirt Comprehensive Travel Insurance 2 full day trips each week* with all transport and entrances included *Except for departure week when there is one full day trip. On campus accommodation Progress Report and End-of-Course Certificate All meals included The Academic Programme The English Programme Our English lessons at SBC Oxford are stimulating, engaging and have been designed especially for multinational classes. We use our own English syllabus and select materials specifically for young learners, to ensure lessons are as dynamic and relevant to students as possible. We aim to increase the confidence of all the children to communicate comfortably and to assist speedy development in their ongoing English language learning once they return home. Students can choose from two English course options; General English Available for students of all levels of English. Junior Summer Study Available at an additional cost for students of an Upper Intermediate or Advanced level of English. For more information on both courses see pages 8-9. All students will be asked to complete a two-part online English assessment before their arrival at the school, to assess their level of English and ensure they are placed into suitable classes. 21st Century Skills Across both courses available at SBC Oxford, our aim is to develop not only language skills, but also transferable skills that will help our young learners prepare for success in life in the 21st century. Our courses assist children in nurturing key learning and communication strategies, including: The ability to work creatively with others Build confidence in communicating clearly Improve social and cross-cultural skills Develop effective problem-solving and teamwork skills Time to Shine To develop these skills and ignite creativity in our SBC Oxford students, twice weekly all students will participate in our Time to Shine lessons. These comprise a series of dynamic and interactive challenges, for students to complete in a practical setting. Previous Time to Shine challenges include the construction of a working marble run and the building of balloon-powered cars. Through our innovative and highly social Time to Shine lessons, students are encouraged to exchange ideas, collaborate, show initiative and improve their confidence, all whilst having fun. 6 summerboardingcourses.co.uk SBC Oxford International Summer School 7
General English Junior Summer Study Why Choose General English? Learning and Doing Why Choose Junior Summer Study? How We Teach: Making English Fun Build English, Build Confidence. General English consists of 15 hours per week of English lessons, and is designed especially for 8 to 12 year-old young learners. The course comprises a varied and dynamic programme of fun, interactive and collaborative activities which focus on improving vocabulary, grammar, reading, writing and speaking in English. Our communicative method, with its emphasis on speaking and interacting, builds the student s confidence to use English in real-world situations. Learning through communicating. Our communicative approach emphasises speaking and interacting as the best method to learn English effectively. Students participate in communicative tasks, creative games and team projects in which they are challenged, motivated and stimulated to use English in an imaginative and productive way. Build English, Build Confidence. For students of an Upper Intermediate level of English and above, we offer an alternative to the five mornings of general English language lessons with our Junior Summer Study course. The course develops language learning through the study of other subjects including English Literature, Creative Writing, History, Geography and Science. This content-based learning approach is taught through dynamic, communicative lessons and provides students with a comfortable, interactive environment that aims to build on their confidence as well as language fluency. Activating what you learn. We believe that students learn best when they are actively applying language in practice. For this reason, our lessons are designed to be communicative, meaning that our students are constantly using English in an interactive way. This way students not only develop their language skills, but their confidence in using English too. Learning Language and Using Language Using English in a meaningful way. Our courses focus on learning both the English language and acquiring the skills to use English in real-world situations. In our fun and engaging lessons, students develop their knowledge and understanding of vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, reading and writing. This knowledge is then activated in interactive tasks, collaborative activities and school projects. Tasks and Projects: What Students Learn A diverse and varied programme. Each week, every student will take part in a series of dynamic tasks and projects. Example projects include making short films, photography exhibitions, theatre and drama performances, team challenges and class competitions. I liked what we learned and the activities during lessons. Briana, Student, Romania Learning Language Through the Study of Other Subjects Using English in a meaningful way. Students will benefit from a varied programme, ranging from famous works of literature to historical case studies, and students learn through fun and interactive lessons. Students are encouraged to be creative and engage in classroom discussions, debates, improvisation and fun topic-based activities. This focus on spoken interaction enables students to activate what has been learned and further develop their understanding of the language surrounding the subjects studied. Tasks and Projects: What Students Learn A diverse and varied programme. Throughout the course students will take part in a diverse range of engaging tasks, as well as weekly projects. Example projects include presentations, class competitions, drama pieces, team challenges and creative writing exercises. I liked that in the lessons we were talking a lot, because grammar I can learn in Poland but here I want to learn how to be fluent in English and the classes really helped me. Michal, Student, Poland 8 summerboardingcourses.co.uk SBC Oxford International Summer School 9
Afternoon Activities The afternoon Activity Programme takes place over 5 afternoons each week. During these afternoon sessions, the children will be able to experience a range of team games, sporting activities and artistic and creative craft activities. The programme is designed to be fun and varied, with some afternoons offering a choice of up to 6 different options while other afternoons are group activities for the whole school to enjoy together. Here is a list of just some of what our SBC Oxford students will be able to experience: Swimming Football Water Games Fashion Design Parachute Games Basketball Computers Drumming English Fete Day Oxford visits Museum visits Yoga Science experiments Craft workshops Poetry slams House competitions Cupcake decoration Birds of prey workshop Inflatable challenges Our son was eager to participate everywhere, the activity program was fun, we were seeing the blog, everything looks like fun, it seems great and Nick was so excited about all the activities. Dora, Parent, Greece 10 summerboardingcourses.co.uk SBC Oxford International Summer School 11
English Plus + All afternoon activities, evening activities, day trips and evening trips are included in the standard price for a stay at SBC Oxford Summer School. However, many children take up additional English Plus+ courses at an extra cost. The English Plus+ courses take place on two afternoons per week, replacing the Multi-Activity Programme. The English Plus+ courses on offer are: Intensive English: Speaking The Evening Programme Evening activities are an important part of summer school life, giving children the opportunity for some fun time together as a whole school, with all students usually taking part in one activity. Open to all levels, these additional language classes are designed to develop our students English speaking and listening skills with small classes focusing on pronunciation and fluency. Intensive English: Writing For children with an Intermediate to Advanced level of English, this course is designed to develop our students written English, providing excellent preparation for any future exams. Students will study different writing styles including essays, letters and short stories. Evening activities include: Disco Party Talent Show Craft Fashion Show Silly Olympics Record Breakers Swimming Party Movie Night Capture the Flag House Competitions Wet and wild games Bowling Make a music video Horse Riding Children learn how to ride and look after horses with qualified instructors in the beautiful Oxfordshire countryside. Adventure Sports This course is for bold and adventurous children and includes kayaking, raft building, bushcraft, high ropes, wall climbing and go karting. Drama A fun and creative course combining drama and storytelling. The children follow a 2 week programme using drama to explore famous English stories and take part in a workshop at The Oxford Storytelling Museum. Art & Design This 2 week course is for creative students looking to develop their artistic skills. Students will focus on painting, sculpture, photography and drawing, creating their own portfolio over the two week period and displaying their work in the school s Art Gallery at the end of the course. 12 summerboardingcourses.co.uk SBC Oxford International Summer School 13
The Excursion Programme All our students enjoy two day trips each week*, visiting cultural sites as well as more light-hearted attractions. All of the trips last a full day, so there s plenty of time to experience everything. Cadbury World & The Sea Life Centre This summer school was so fun, I m coming next year and I don t want to leave tomorrow. Julia, Student, Austria A day exploring the famous Cadbury World chocolate factory where students will learn how they make delicious chocolate with plenty of tasters too! The afternoon will be spent at the fascinating Sea Life Centre. Find out more at www.cadburyworld.co.uk & www.visitsealife.com/birmingham Legoland Windsor Enjoy an exciting and fun day out discovering the world of lego! Students can explore 11 Theme Lands, as well as many attractions and rides. Find out more at www.legoland.co.uk Bristol & The Science Museum Our students will enjoy a morning visiting the state-of-the-art interactive science centre followed by a trip into the vibrant waterside city of Bristol. Find out more at www.at-bristol.org.uk Warwick Castle Enjoy a visit to one of the UK s most beautiful castles, followed by an afternoon in Warwick town centre where students will have time to explore and shop! Find out more at www.warwick-castle.com *There is one full day excursion during the departure week. 14 summerboardingcourses.co.uk SBC Oxford International Summer School 15
The school and campus felt very secure, staff is friendly and helpful. Our daughter had a wonderful experience and we ve seen great improvement of English skills as well as personal development. Dia, Parent, Norway Student Welfare We care for our students 24 hours a day and their welfare is our main priority. From the moment you book you will be allocated your own dedicated Student Support Manager in the Head Office, who will help you through the whole process from initial booking to supporting you during your child s stay with us in the summer. We are able to offer our highest level of supervision at SBC Oxford with 1 member of staff to every 5 students. All SBC Oxford Summer School staff are friendly and helpful professionals, who ensure our students feel supported and cared for whilst away from home. Student Support Managers Your Student Support Manager is your main point of contact at head office and works closely with the team at the school to ensure you have the very best experience at SBC Oxford Summer School. Our Student Support Managers have a wealth of experience in customer service and strive to provide expert care and support to all our parents and students. School Management Our Management team take responsibility for every aspect of student welfare, along with the day to day running of the school. The Summer School Director oversees the school, while the Director of Studies oversees the Academic Programme, both supported by the Welfare Coordinator and Student Director - to ensure that the students are fully engaged in summer school life and are happy and well during their stay. The Social Programme Coordinator leads the team of Activity Leaders to provide a dynamic and engaging Activity Programme. Together, all of our Managers see that every aspect of the school runs smoothly, safely and offers every child the chance to participate fully. House Parents House Parents are key members of summer school staff whose main duty is overseeing the welfare of our students. The House Parents are always available in the boarding houses and also help during break and meal times. They offer our students a friendly face with whom they can discuss any specific welfare issues. Teachers The different English course options are all taught by our professionally qualified teachers, with three 60-minute lessons taking place on five mornings each week. Our teachers also assist in ensuring the general welfare of students, as well as helping deliver activities and excursions. Activity Leaders Our Activity Leaders are responsible for implementing the Activity Programme and Excursion Programme. Our Activity Leaders ensure students enjoy an exciting range of activities, and that they practice their English whilst having fun. Safeguarding Summer Boarding Courses is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We have a comprehensive Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy and procedures in place which all employees, volunteers and contractors are expected to adhere to. 16 summerboardingcourses.co.uk SBC Oxford International Summer School 17
Booking your child s visit to SBC Oxford Application Form We recommend booking early to avoid disappointment as places at SBC Oxford are limited and we may be full by April. Bookings can be made online on our website - www.summerboardingcourses.co.uk/ make-a-booking. Once your form has been received, one of our Student Support Managers will be in touch to confirm your booking. Confirmation of Place Upon receipt of your completed booking form, Summer Boarding Courses Ltd will send you confirmation of your child s place, alongside an invoice and a SBC Oxford Summer School welcome pack. Payment of Fees A deposit of 500 is required to secure your booking. The remaining balance must be paid by 14th May 2018. Any bookings made after 14th May must be paid in full at the time of booking (upon receipt of invoice). Please see the booking form for details of how to pay. Preparation for Summer Our Student Support Managers are on hand to answer any queries you may have about the summer from questions about the school, travel to the UK, hotel recommendations to Visa applications and much more. We will also stay in regular contact to ensure that we have all the information we require from you. Travel Information Students travel to and from England must be paid for and arranged independently. Once your booking has been confirmed, we will send you a form to fill in, detailing your child s travel arrangements, so we can organise your child s transfer if required. Transfers We offer an Airport Transfer Service to and from SBC Oxford Summer School on the published arrival and departure dates. Students arriving to and departing from Heathrow airport can use our Airport Coach Transfer Service which operates between 09.00 and 16.00. On arrival at Heathrow airport, all students are met by a member of SBC staff who will be wearing a bright yellow SBC t-shirt. Similarly when departing from Heathrow airport our staff will accompany all students and assist with the check-in procedure at the airport. If your child will be flying to the UK without a parent or guardian we recommend you request Unaccompanied Minor assistance direct from the airline. For more details on airport transfers please visit our website. For students arriving on flights before 09.00 and after 16.00 Summer Boarding Courses can arrange a Taxi Transfer. Please contact us for a quotation and further information. The deadline for booking a transfer is the 19th June, unfortunately a transfer may not be guaranteed after this date. Welcome Club Students using our Coach Transfer Service will be accompanied from the main Arrivals Hall to our Welcome Club. Our Welcome Club is conveniently located at one of the airport hotels and gives students a chance to relax after their flight, enjoy some light refreshments and meet some of the other new students, before taking the next Coach Transfer to SBC Oxford Summer School. Parent Transfer Parents or guardians are also welcome to bring children to the school and collect them themselves. Guidance on the arrival and departure times and procedures can be found in the Welcome Pack. Cardiff Manchester Leeds Birmingham OXFORD Heathrow Southampton Location SBC Oxford Summer School is located at: Dragon School, Bardwell Road Oxford, OX2 6SS UK SBC OXFORD INTERNATIONAL SUMMER SCHOOL For all enquiries and correspondence please contact: Summer Boarding Courses Ltd info@summerboardingcourses.co.uk +44(0)1943 878518 SBC Oxford Summer School is operated by Summer Boarding Courses Ltd. Summer Boarding Courses is an independent company and does not act as the agent of Dragon School Trust Ltd. Dragon School Trust Ltd accepts no liability in respect of contractual obligations undertaken by Summer Boarding Courses or in respect of acts of omissions of Summer Boarding Courses or its employees or agents. 18 summerboardingcourses.co.uk SBC Oxford International Summer School 19
SUMMERBOARDINGCOURSES.CO.UK +44 (0)1943 878 518 INFO@SUMMERBOARDINGCOURSES.CO.UK Like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/summerboardingcourses Follow us on Instagram @summerboardingcourses Summer Boarding Courses is part of the Dukes Education Group, who provide high quality education and admissions guidance for students of all ages. Dukes support students from all over the world develop their academic excellence and gain entrance to leading British independent schools and top UK and US universities. Visit us on www.dukeseducation.com